Chennai: The Supreme Court directive that national anthem must be played in cinema halls evoked mixed reactions in the city. The order is likely to implemented in ten days. “It is ok to play the national anthem, but forcing people to stand up for it is not,” said Siddharth Mangwana, a financial analyst.
“I think it is an excellent decision. It is time we instilled a sense of patriotism in today’s generation. There is nothing wrong about reminding your people to respect your country,” said Meera Chandran, an assistant manager at a finance firm.
“You need not love your country, but can respect it. And everyone except someone bound by a disability should stand up as a mark of respect,” she added.
But some, however, think that this move might fail as a similar move introduced at the end of movies in the 1970s failed due to people walking out at the end of the film while it was being played. “They should not allow people to enter the movie hall once the national anthem has begun, then it might be a success,” said V. Santhanam, a senior citizen based in Chromepet.
“People don’t like being forced to respect it. It only causes animosity so the national anthem should be kept to public and government meetings, I feel,” he added.
